I am a 1997 graduate of Barrington High School and have been a teacher and administrator for the past 23 years. On a recent visit my parents shared the letter written regarding Dr. Kevin Blanchard along with the response from a former student and Ralph Caruso. Far be it from me to weigh in on this particular incident, though I will note that I had both Dr. Blanchard and Mr. Caruso as teachers, and Mr. Caruso as a coach.

My question is this; Since when is a conflict between a teacher and student or teacher and parent the business of the local media? In my experience best practice is to go to the teacher directly first and if the issue is not resolved then to follow-up with their immediate supervisor.

Bypassing the teacher to go directly to the principal misses a critical step. Bringing this issue to the local media is another level of unnecessary escalation that I just don't understand. Shame on the Barrington Times for getting involved in what is a personnel issue at a local school. 

Dave Rosenberg

Natick, Mass.